Freetown Solar Mobile Project

What is Solar Park Freetown?

Called Solar Park Freetown, the project would provide an extra six megawatts to Sierra Leone’s already burgeoning solar power networks. In addition to providing manufacturing jobs to people who need it, Solar Park Freetown will bolster Sierra Leone’s shaky central power supplies.

Will Solar Park Freetown bolster Sierra Leone's shaky central power supplies?

In addition to providing manufacturing jobs to people who need it, Solar Park Freetown will bolster Sierra Leone’s shaky central power supplies. Much of Freetown’s power comes from the Bumbuna Dam, which, according to a 2011 World Bank report, produces less than 20 megawatts of power during the dry season.

Will Abu Dhabi help Sierra Leone build a new solar power plant?

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development announced a new loan program that would provide Sierra Leone with Dh 33 million, or about $8.9 million, to construct a new solar power plant near Freetown, the capital and a major urban area.

How long does it take to build a solar project in Sierra Leone?

Works on the facility are planned to be finalized within 12 months, the ministry said. The 6 MW solar project in Freetown has been on hold since the summer of 2014, when the government of Sierra Leone first announced its plan to build the PV park. Currently, Sierra Leone’s total power generation capacity does not exceed 100 MW.

How much power does Freetown have?

Much of Freetown’s power comes from the Bumbuna Dam, which, according to a 2011 World Bank report, produces less than 20 megawatts of power during the dry season. Sierra Leone’s grid only provides 13 megawatts per million people, about 3.5 times less than nations with similar socio-economic conditions.

Can solar power boost economic growth in Sierra Leone?

Solar power has the potential to greatly increase energy access in Sierra Leone and accelerate its economic growth. Both internationally financed central power systems like Solar Park Freetown and private solar setups in rural areas will create jobs and provide a stable source of energy for millions.